Hanoi (VNA) – Prime Minඣi𓄧ster Nguyen Xuan Phuc had a working session with authorities of the Mekong Delta province of Vinh Long on June 11, discussing efforts to overcome saline intrusion impacts and agricultural production restructuring.

With its economy relying on agriculture, Vinh Long suffered greatly from the drought and saline intrusion during the first half of 2016. Rice yield and output in the period fell 10.6 percent year on year, while tra fish production dropped 8.3 percent, resulting in a 3.9 percent reduction in the total agro-forestry-fishery production value to 9.4 trillion VND (423 million USD). At the function, local leaders appealed for aid from the State to build irrigation systems, including those in Tra On and Vung Liem districts, in response to saltwater intrusion. Nodding his approval, PM Phuc said Vinh Long should focus on natural disasters prevention and global economic integration. As the El Nino phenomenon persists, Vinh Long needs to come up with more creative measures, he said, suggesting changing agricultural production structure towards plants and animals adaptive to saline environment. He highlighted the importance of employing advanced farming technologies to increase productivity. The PM reminded the province to prepare for the implementation of several free trade agreements that Vietnam has participated in, particularly the Trans-Pacific Partnership deal. He requested Vinh Long to improve its business climate alongside overhauling administrative procedures and facilitating start-ups. On the occasion, PM Phuc visited and presented gifts to the heroic mother Phan Thi Hong, whose only son sacrificed his life for the country. He also talked to workers at the Taiwanese-invested Vinh Long footwear company, which has operated in the locality for ten years and employed 18,400 people.-VNA